Drums and Puppetry in Macbeth

by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg

This production of Macbeth is unique in and of itself. However, something that certainly sets it apart from other productions is our director, Teresa Love, and her decision to make drumming and puppetry and integral element in the show. Many members of the cast will take turns drumming during the show, so Teresa brought in drum consultant Nes Andersen to do some workshops. During his time with the group, he gave them the opportunity to get comfortable with the drums and do some fun exercises. It looks like everyone had a great time! Our wonderful stage manager, MK, took some videos of the workshop, of which you can see one below. Does it get you excited to see how the drumming will be incorporated into the show?

Drum workshop

Certain characters will be played by puppets in this production, so the cast was fortunate to workshop their puppetry with the guest artists from The Last Great Hunt. This was a great opportunity for the cast as they explored the new world of puppetry and applied it to those certain characters. Below is a short clip from that workshop.

Puppetry workshop

How will the drums and puppets be used in the show? Come to see Macbeth starting next Wednesday, February 8th, to find out! You won't be disappointed!

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by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg After the show wrapped up and people went their separate ways, Garret Rushforth, who played Wilbur, and I chatted and I asked him some questions about his experience with the play. What better way to gain insight about the show than from the actor who was in the thick of things from the very beginning? Here is what Garret had to say about this unique opportunity: Me: How was this experience of playing Wilbur? What was your Favorite aspect of it all? Garret: I loved playing Wilbur. My favorite aspect was discovering the character more and more each performance. I never really felt that I had learned all that the character had to offer. Me: What were some challenges that you faced while preparing for the show? Garret: A few of the challenges that I faced had to do primarily with transportation. My car tried to die a couple of times during the run. As far as developing the show goes, I found that the difficulties were mostly in finding the lines. Not simply reciting them, but discovering what was beneath them, motivating them and making them come to life. Me: What lessons have you learned from playing this part, or just from the play in general? Garret: I've learned that there is an amazing opportunity to find out about yourself from the character discovery process. I also learned how much a family the cast can become if given the opportunity. Me: What is your favorite part of this story? Garret: I love when Wilbur and Charlotte talk about Charlotte's death and Wilbur is so devastated. It showed how deep Wilbur's reliance on Charlotte was as well as his desire to help her too. Me: As you leave this production, what will stay with you? Garret: The friendships I've made and the things that I've learned about myself because of the show. Me: What aspects of your character did you love/latch onto from the beginning? Garret: I latched onto the loneliness aspect of Wilbur's life. For all his life, he'd not been given much of a chance, Fern and Charlotte being the exceptions. He was written off by nearly everyone until Charlotte pointed out how special he is. Me: Any final thoughts you would like to share with those who came to the show? Garret: Charlotte's a web was a show that offered a unique view of friendship and family. It doesn't matter what someone looks like or where they're from, friendship and family can transcend all differences.

Drums and Puppetry in Macbeth

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